Cambria Mini Vacation - Day 1

I have come to the conclusion that Cambria is one of my favorite places to visit. Troy, Jackson and I joined Troy's parents in Cambria last week for a little and much needed get-away. This was Troy and I's second time visiting Cambria, which is located just below San Simeon (Hearst Castle). Cambria is a great combination of a little mountain town with pines and an old down town and an little ocean town with great little inns right on the water. We took advantage of the White Water Inn's Elmer Dill's Getaway Special, which was an AMAZING deal! We got the hotel room (w/ breakfast) for $125 a night, along with two gift certificates (one $15 and one $50) for restaurants in town. The normal hotel room price for the inn is around $200, just to give you an idea of how good of a deal this is. The inn basically does this to entice visitors to stay during the week, so the deal is only good for week nights.

Cambria has beautiful shops and restaurants with gorgeous gardens.Jackson wore a special vacation outfit!Jackson observed the Pacific Ocean's waves for the second time in his life.Ahh....it is so beautiful! The sound of the waves rhythmically crashing on the rocks is such a relaxing sound!Jackson and TroyTroy, Me, Gary, Carolyn, and Jackson enjoying the sunset on Moonstone Beach.

Cambria has some really good restaurants, but the Main Street Grill isn't one of them. When I walked in the cafeteria-style restaurant, it was somewhat musty and a bit on the dirty side (the tables were not clean). I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich, which was actually really good. Troy and Carolyn had the Tri-tip sandwich, and that wasn't bad, either. It was nothing to write home about. However, when Troy was in the bathroom, he noticed that one of the employees walked out of the a bathroom stall, right past the sinks, and out the door. When he asked for the manager, the employees claimed he wasn't there. Ewww. That is all I have to say!

For dinner, we ate at The Old Station. Troy and I ate at this restaurant on our first visit. The service was amazing then, and still is great! The food is good as well. They also have great desserts. We wanted to try their very popular cobbler, but every time we tried to get some, they were out! This is a good place to eat with the family!

That concludes Day 1 of our trip....visit tomorrow to see Day 2!

Jackson's Puppies!

Over the last week, we have discovered that Jackson loves puppies! Here are a few pictures to show you just how much!Jackson at the puppy shop.We discovered that if a dog licks Jackson, he attempts to lick them right back!Jackson and "Oliver" in Cambria.

Troy's Frist Father's Day

This Father's Day was Troy's first. Jackson and I did a photo shoot for him with Andie from A & D Photography. We gave him a mug with the black and white picture (below) on it. It has been such a blessing to see Troy as the father of our son. God has blessed me with a wonderful husband and Jackson with an amazing father! We love him so much!

Birthday Celebrations!

Last Sunday, (Father's Day) was my birthday. Due to the fact that Father's Day was on my birthday, I celebrated all throughout the weekend! On Friday, Troy and I went on another date (yes, for those of you who are counting, that is two weeks in a row...woo-hoo!). We went to The Backstreet in Riverside. This restuarant is where Troy and I went on our second date and discussed the name Jackson for a son. It is an extrememly romantic and relaxing atomosphere! They also have amazing food there, too! If you haven't been there yet, what are you waiting for? Go!(Photo courtesy of backtreet67.com)

On Saturday morning, I went with Troy's family to Simple Simon's in Riverside. They have delicious French Toast there, as well as fresh squeezed orange juice! It was a nice, relaxing, and I must say, tasty breakfast!

After breakfast, Troy, Jackson and I headed to the beach to celebrate with Michael (my twin brother who happens to have the same birthday...go figure!), and both mine Troy's siblings at Corona Del Mar beach. I really enjoyed hanging out with the family! Robyn figured out how to make the perfect s'more and Troy made one for that was the most amazing s'more I've ever had...really! The best thing about this beach trip, though, was showing Jackson the Pacific Ocean for the first time. He was amazed by it and let out a whimper when we turned away from the waves to walk back to the fire pit. He scrambled to see every wave he could! I am so glad he seemed to love it!On Sunday, my actual birthday, we did a combo Father's Day/Birthday celebration with my family. We had pizza and Jenni made scrumptious No-Pudge brownies for me! (Thanks!) Overall, I had a great birthday weekend! Thanks everyone!

Yet Another Surgery Update

I went to see the surgeon on Tuesday and there is good news! He said I could pick up Jackson, with caution, of course! Yea!!! My surgery is scheduled for August 18th. That seems a bit far away, but it doesn't seem so bad now that I can hold Jackson again!

Another Surgery Update

So, folks, the squeaky wheel DOES get fixed! I called and left a message for the surgery department (after calling Kaiser every couple hours for a few days), and I got a call back. They changed my appointment for the surgery consultation for this Tuesday. Please keep it in your prayers. I am hopping to get a date for surgery sooner than later! I thank the Lord that He provided an earlier consultation date!

Surgery Update

For those of you who know how "the system" works at Kaiser, they can be soooo slow! The first available date for the consultation with the surgeon is July 17th. They are kidding me, right? Do they now know that I can't pick up my baby?!?!? Apparently not. I've told them, but it doesn't seem to matter. I was told I can call as many times as I want to check for cancellations so I could get in earlier. I called three times today with no avail. July 17th is almost 5 weeks away...and that isn't even the surgery date. Who knows when that will be. I NEED TO PICK UP MY BABY!

Sorry...I'm sure you know that by now, but I need to vent. It is very hard to not be able to pick him up when he is upset or reaching up for me. I have to get someone to do it. Someone else has to walk him outside and show him the birds and the trees like I did every day. Someone else has to put him to bed in his crib at night. Someone else has to pick him up from naps. Someone else....

For those of you who are a "someone else," please understand that I am truly thankful. I'm just trying to deal with this emotionally by venting a little. Again, please pray that I can get in soon! I appreciate all your help and prayers!